Israeli President Praises Pilot Who Thwarted Flydubai Attack

President Isaac Herzog of Israel sent a special letter to Captain Smith Macher, expressing the deep gratitude of the State of Israel for his courage and determination during an attempted attack on a Flydubai flight. In his letter, the President wished the captain a speedy recovery and invited him to visit Jerusalem once he has recuperated. Captain Macher received the letter while hospitalized in the United Arab Emirates, where he is being treated for severe injuries sustained when the co-pilot attacked him with an emergency axe and attempted to seize control of the aircraft. President Herzog lauded the captain's composure in the face of grave danger, stating, "Your ability to find the strength to rise above the pain, to deal with the immediate threat to your life, and to exercise judgment, testifies to the strength of your character and the great spirit of heroism with which you are endowed." The President also drew a historical parallel between the captain's actions and the Indian soldiers who fought in the Holy Land over a century ago, suggesting Macher would become part of Israeli history and strengthen ties between India and Israel. "Your heroic act places you in the honored line of Indian soldiers who, over a century ago, risked their lives to liberate cities in the Holy Land, thereby becoming an integral part of Israel's history. You too, Captain Macher, will henceforth become a cherished part of our people's history, and an additional element strengthening the connection between the Republic of India and the State of Israel," Herzog wrote. He concluded by expressing confidence in the care Macher is receiving in the UAE and reiterated his anticipation of welcoming him to Jerusalem. Additionally, President Herzog announced during a ceremony that Captain Macher would be awarded the President's Medal for Civilian Heroism for his bravery in struggling with the attacker despite his serious injuries and managing to open the cockpit door.